Multiple Actor / Actresses needed for multiple student short films

Job Title: Multiple Actor / Actresses needed for multiple student short films

Compensation: Paid

Job Category: Cast

Project Name: 5shorts Production of student short films around social justice

Contact: Etderick Bettie

Phone: 612-735-6385

Email: Hello@5shorts.org

5Shorts Project is working on 5 student short films surrounding social justice issues, and looking for multiple actors/actresses and extras. Main characters are paid. Extras will be needed as well. (Voluntary)

Film# 1
A group of four students, Dick, Billy, Diana, and Amir create a presentation for their class about Palestinian culture, to which the staff members of the school don’t approve of. The students have to not only stand up for the oppressed group but for themselves- making sure student voices are heard. They have to find a way for their school to take them seriously.

Character Descriptions-
Richard (Dick) Summers
-Age ranges: 16-20
-Race: Black
-Other physical features: skinny build, 5’10ft+
-Occupation: 12th grade student

Diana
-Age ranges: 16-20
-Race: Afro-Latino/Latina
-Other physical features: 5’7-5’9ft
-Occupation: 12th grade student

Billy
-Age ranges: 16-20
-Race: Any
-Other physical features: 5’10ft+
-Occupation: 12th grade student

Amir
-Age ranges: 16-20
-Race: Arab
-Other physical features: slight muscular build, 5’8-5’10ft
-Occupation: 12th grade student

Film #2

Description – A young alternative black girl, Charli is getting bullied while at school, instead of reaching out for help she lashes out at others, and the ones bullying her, leading to her facing disciplinary action. For Charli to overcome this she must make new friends and have a heart-to-heart with her parents.

Character Descriptions

Charli
Age range 17-22
Race Black
Skinny build, a bit tall, long braids that are colored in a funky way, or long black braids that adjustments can be made to.
must have some sort of facial piercing or okay with wearing fake ones for the production !!
Occupation 12th-grade student
Shelby
Age range 17-22
Race White
Medium build, shorter. must have some sort of facial piercing or okay with wearing fake ones for the production !!
Occupation 12th-grade student

Charli’s Dad
Age range 30-50
Race black
Bald, tall, beard, glasses, must have some sort of facial piercing and earrings or okay with wearing fake ones for the production !!

Charli’s Mom
Age range 30-50
Race black
Long chunky braids, tall,
Occupation Charli’s mom .. Librarian

Film #3

A young male and his mother living on their own after mourning over the loss of his dad. Moved to a dominant white urban area where the young teen struggled with racial inequality while being bullied and neglected.

Marcus
• Age: 15-17
• Appearance: African American male with a lean build. Often has a contemplative, introspective look in his eyes, reflecting his inner struggles. His posture is reserved and slightly hunched, conveying his discomfort in new environments.
• Personality: Intelligent and thoughtful, yet weighed down by self-doubt and a deep desire to fit in. Marcus is sensitive and introspective, often masking his feelings but with a resilience that slowly emerges as he begins to accept himself. He grapples with a painful past, feeling out of place and underappreciated in his new surroundings.
Monique
• Age: Late 30s to early 40s
• Appearance: African American woman with a warm and caring presence. She has a tired but determined look, showing her strength and resilience. Her demeanor is nurturing, often expressed through soft smiles and gentle gestures toward Marcus.
• Personality: Compassionate, supportive, and strong-willed. Monique has been through her own struggles but remains steadfast in her commitment to providing a better life for her son. She senses Marcus’s pain and tries to comfort him, though she sometimes feels uncertain about how best to help him. Her love for Marcus is unwavering, and she strives to instill in him the self-acceptance he needs.

Film #4

A tense, coming-of-age drama following two close friends, Izayah and Anthony, who experience an unexpected tragedy that threatens to tear their lives apart. As a harmless day on the basketball court spirals out of control, they face the harsh reality of loss, guilt, and the consequences of their actions. This story dives into friendship, innocence, and the haunting impact of a single moment that changes everything.

Izayah

• Age Range: Late teens to early 20s
• Gender: Male
• Ethnicity: Open
• Description: A passionate, loyal friend with a natural curiosity and playful energy. Izayah often hides his vulnerabilities behind humor, but when faced with the unthinkable, his world crumbles. Needs an actor capable of showing a wide emotional range, from lighthearted moments to extreme guilt and fear.

Anthony

• Age Range: Late teens to early 20s
• Gender: Male
• Ethnicity: Open
• Description: A kind, resilient teenager dealing with family issues. Basketball is his escape and a hopeful path for his future. He’s close to Izayah and considers him a brother, finding solace in their friendship. The role demands subtlety, as Anthony hides his family’s struggles with a tough exterior.

Film#5

*LGBTQ+ actors are encouraged to apply for all characters but especially Val and Alex*

Description of film: A young trans student is navigating through the motions of going to a new school and finds a club that makes him feel welcomed and accepted. However, on his first day there he finds out that the club is being shut down due to little student engagement.

Alex: Alex is an anxious and quiet person. He doesn’t like public speaking or being the center of attention. He has to come out of his shell
Trans male, 16-18.
Good at facial acting

Val: Val is outgoing when comfortable but hates being put on the spot in front of a lot of people. He is light-hearted and jokes a lot to lighten the mood but can be serious at times.
Trans male. 16-18

Cal: Cal is a very chill person. He gets annoyed easily when already provoked by something but does his best not to take it out on others.
Male, 16-18

Cameron: Cameron is a little rough around the edges and often described as stern and serious. She has a softer side that we don’t see often.
Female, 16-18

Opal: Opal is more soft in looks and personality but not soft-spoken. She has no trouble speaking out about what she believes.
Female, 16-18

Auditioning Process:
– Email hello@5shorts.org with the following
– Headshots
– Acting reels/resume
– Role(s) you’re interested in

Filming will be in the Philadelphia area.